Media Center
Corporate Communications tells OCFA’s story with transparency, accuracy, and purpose. This team leads internal and external communications, responds to media inquiries, supports emergency incidents, and drives public awareness through education campaigns and community outreach. From crisis response to everyday storytelling, they ensure OCFA’s voice remains clear, timely, and connected to the people we serve.
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We provide brochures and flyers on life and fire safety topics, schedule school programs and fire station tours, and keep the public and media informed during emergency incidents.
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Public Records Requests can be made directly through our Clerk of the Authority by clicking the link below. If you have any general questions regarding public records, please contact the Clerk of the Authority Office during regular business hours at (714) 573-6040
In the media
Catch the latest headlines and media coverage featuring the Orange County Fire Authority.
Podcast - Hot Pursuit
Join hosts OCFA Fire Captain/Investigator Scott Kuhlman and Sophia Champieux as they take you behind the scenes of Orange County's most compelling fire investigations. From arson to accidental blazes, twice a month we'll explore a new case that uncovers the science, intuition, and human stories behind the flames. Through interviews with experts, fire investigators, law enforcement, and forensic specialists, Hot Pursuit offers an insider's look at how these mysterious and often chilling fires are solved. Discover the untold stories that rise from the ashes, one fire at a time.
Executive Producer: Kevin Hansen
Hosts: Sophia Champieux & Scott Kuhlman
Help Us Serve
Support OCFA’s mission to protect and serve the community. Your contributions help fund vital programs and resources that save lives.
For donations, please email OCFADonations@ocfa.org
News and Active Incidents
OCFA’s Active Incidents section provides real-time information on emergencies happening now. See where our responders are deployed and stay connected to ongoing public safety efforts in your area.
Posts from @OCFireAuthority
Low Angle Rope Rescue
This afternoon, firefighters in Laguna Niguel rescued a man who fell and was injured along Aliso Creek Trail.
Firefighter paramedics treated the patient while crews secured him in a Stokes basket and used a rope system to bring him up the embankment. >>>
Once safely rescued from the creek, the patient was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
The call came in at 12:49 P.M.
Need sandbags before the rain? 🌧️
Several OCFA fire stations offer both sand AND sandbags, while most OCFA stations have empty sandbags available to the public. Supplies are limited and may vary by location. Find locations and details: https://ocfa.org/residents/sandbags/
Bring your own shovel, check availability before heading out, and don't wait until heavy rain is in the forecast to make a plan.
It's National First Responders Day! 🚒
During the Norte Fire, we saw the impact of mutual aid as agencies from across California came together to help protect our communities and residents.
Thank you to the law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, EMTs, firefighters, and all first responders who answered the call and worked together to support our communities. We’re grateful for the teamwork and service of those who show up when it matters most.
Garage Fire – Two Cats Rescued
Last night, OCFA crews responded to a garage fire in Westminster that had extended into the attic of a single-story home. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames, saving a significant portion of the home.
While crews battled the fire, >>>
they searched the smoke-filled home and found two cats. Firefighters safely brought both cats outside.
Fortunately, no one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Video 1 description (18 seconds): Nighttime footage shows a structure heavily involved in >>>
fire, with large flames rising above the roof and thick smoke billowing overhead. Firefighters move through the scene as a yellow hose stretches across the street.
Video 2 description (9 seconds): Nighttime footage shows thick smoke rising from a structure as firefighters work.
2 Cities — 1 Community
Last Friday, we joined our partners in public safety, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, at the San Clemente vs. San Juan Hills varsity football game, where both schools came together to recognize the first responders who served their communities >>>
San Clemente versus San Juan Hills football game show an OCFA helicopter flying over the stadium, players taking the field, and firefighters and sheriff’s deputies being recognized. The video includes footage from the Norte Fire, an interview at >>>
the game, the coin toss, and group photos of first responders with both teams. It ends with game footage and the OCFA logo.
“He saved my life.”
A Laguna Woods resident said those words after her neighbor pounded on her door early this morning to alert her to a fire on her patio that was quickly spreading to the roof and into her home while she slept.
Video #1 Description: This 11-second video shows firefighters carrying small items out of a fire-damaged home, stepping over hoses along the walkway. Blackened walls surround the entrance and patio, and a ladder extends to the tile roof.
Video #2 Description: This five-second video shows firefighters outside a smoke-filled home as water sprays toward the roofline. A ladder rests against the roof, hoses cross the lawn and walkway, and a fire truck is parked nearby.
#NorteFire Update
Great news - the Norte Fire is 100% contained. The fire is in a patrol status and crews will continue to check for any hotspots.
OCFA is proud of our cadets for exemplifying what it means to be in service of others. Yesterday, the Garden Grove Police Department presented OCFA Cadets with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their outstanding service during the GKN Hazardous Materials incident.
These future firefighters are already demonstrating what it means to serve their community with compassion, initiative, and a willingness to help others. We’re proud to see them putting these values into action.
Thank you to the Garden Grove Police Department for recognizing their hard work and dedication!
📸: @gardengrovepd
Video description: This 30-second video shows OCFA firefighters working outside a house last night in Mission Viejo as large flames and thick smoke rise from the structure. Crews move near the driveway and entrance while red emergency lights illuminate the scene.
Approx 50 OCFA FFs kept the fire from spreading to most of the house & the surrounding homes.The fire caused $500k damage to the structure & $500k to the contents. One adult male was transported to a local hospital for moderate smoke inhalation. Cause remains under investigation.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Doug Wetmore on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on October 22, 2002. Doug and his family are forever in our hearts.
Mission Viejo - Working structure fire in a single family dwelling at 8:15 pm in the 24000 block of San Andres Lane. Approx 35 OCFA FFs onscene. No injuries.
Upon arrival, OCFA firefighters had heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage that was filled with large amounts of storage in and above the garage. The fire was contained to the garage and parts of the attic with only minimal fire damage inside the home.
One adult male was transported to a local hospital with minor smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.
Are you ready for the rain? ☔
Rainy season is approaching, and now is the time to prepare. From checking drainage around your home to gathering emergency supplies and locating sandbags, a few simple steps now can help you prepare for wet weather.
Find tips & sandbags locations by visiting https://bit.ly/Ready4Rain.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 93%.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 92%. Crews continue extinguishing remaining hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
OCFA is working with city partners to prepare for future rain events. Cities lead pre-planning and coordination, with OCFA providing support and responding to mud and debris-flow incidents.
On the #NorteFire, crews are also repairing land disturbed during >>>
native soil and vegetation to support regrowth.
Video description: This 51-second video features interviews with OCFA personnel and footage of crews conducting suppression repair on the Norte Fire. Crews work along hillsides and feed cut >>
vegetation into a wood chipper, while an excavator reshapes disturbed ground.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 90%. Firefighters are patrolling the fire perimeter, checking for remaining heat and securing containment lines.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 80%. Crews continue locating and extinguishing hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
Crews continue working the #NorteFire, locating and extinguishing hot spots to prevent rekindling and protect surrounding communities.
Some hot spots can smolder underground for weeks or even months. When winds return, that hidden heat can spark another fire. Drones equipped >>>
with infrared cameras help crews identify heat that may otherwise go undetected and direct firefighters to areas that need attention.
In this ABC segment, we explain how OCFA uses this technology today and what’s ahead: water-dropping drones that could help extinguish hot >>>
spots in steep terrain and areas difficult to reach on foot. Our goal is to have this technology available by next fire season.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 75%. Crews will continue working to extinguish hot spots and strengthen containment lines.
#NorteFire Incident Update
The fire remains at 570 acres, and containment has increased to 60%.
Crews will continue working through the night. Please avoid the burn scar area. >>>
Video description: This 12-second video pans from fire engines parked along a roadway, with hoses extending across a sidewalk, to a burned hillside covered in ash and charred vegetation.
Yesterday, as containment grew and families began returning home, an OCFA strike team helped a resident whose home was destroyed in the first hours of the fire.
In a moment of indescribable devastation for a member of our community, our firefighters’ role shifted from >>>
suppression to compassion — providing both a shoulder to lean on and a helping hand.
With specialized equipment, our crew located and opened a safe buried deep in the ashes, finding its contents intact despite the surrounding destruction. While it is difficult to comprehend >>>
the magnitude of this homeowner’s loss, recovering these priceless family heirlooms meant the world to her.
As we continue extinguishing hot spots and increasing containment of the #NorteFire, our hearts remain with everyone affected.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 50%. A total of 467 firefighters remain assigned, working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots.
#NorteFire Update
• All evacuation orders lifted
• 570 acres
• 25% containment
• Cause under investigation
Crews will work to increase containment and begin suppression repair—repairing areas disturbed by firefighting to help reduce erosion.
#NorteFire Update
All evacuation orders lifted. Via La Mirada remains closed to vehicles north of Esperanza.
• 570 acres
• 25% containment
• Cause under investigation
Damage assessment teams surveyed the area today and confirmed seven homes were damaged or destroyed.
#NorteFire Repopulation Update
Effective today at 6 p.m., evacuation orders for San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano will be lifted, with the following exceptions and closures:
• Via La Mirada will remain closed north of Esperanza to vehicle traffic to allow emergency >>>
crews to continue working.
• The burn scar remains an active fire hazard area and is closed until further notice.
The fire is currently at 25% containment.
Video description: In this 1-minute, 27-second video, OCFA Fire Chief McGovern and >>>
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Captain Chevalier stand in front of a red OCFA command vehicle. They take turns providing fire and evacuation updates. Captions appear throughout.
#NorteFire Community Information Hotline
An information hotline has been established for community members with questions about the Norte Fire. Please call 714-628-7085 for information.
#NorteFire Evacuation Update
• San Clemente Zone 13: Full repopulation. Residents may return home.
• San Juan Capistrano Zone 10: Partial repopulation, limited to the Stallion Ridge community, San Juan Hills High School, and the landfill off La Pata. >>>
Please review the accompanying map for the reopened areas. All other evacuation orders remain in effect. Those areas remain threatened due to an active fire line and windy conditions, with a heat advisory also in effect.
Video description: In this 1-minute, 42-second video,>>>
an Orange County Sheriff’s sergeant and an OCFA PIO stand outdoors, providing a Norte Fire update about evacuations and road closures. Both wear uniforms and address the camera, with trees and street signs behind them. On-screen captions accompany their remarks.
#NorteFire Incident Update
Crews worked throughout the night to attack the fire and strengthen containment lines. The fire remains at 570 acres and is now 5% contained.
As reported yesterday, six homes have been damaged or destroyed. The cause remains under investigation.
Today, crews will continue working to increase containment and get residents back home as soon as it is safe to do so.
Video description: In this 40-second video, an OCFA PIO in a yellow wildland jacket provides a Norte Fire update while standing in front of a fire engine.
#NorteFire Incident Update
Deputy Incident Commander Battalion Chief Mike Yeun provides an update on the fire, which is currently at 570 acres with 0% containment.
All evacuation orders remain in effect. Crews will continue working throughout the night to protect homes and keep our communities safe.
Video description: This 46-second video shows OCFA Battalion Chief Mike Yeun providing a Norte Fire update inside a fire station.
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